MYSTIC SANDS

Shhh, be very quiet, and you may observe one of the many animals that live here. Mystic Sands is home to our friendly Southern Black Racer snake, Sune-Ku Hebi, which is the Japanese phrase for snake. Hebi keeps our field mouse population under control. In the winter, deer like to bed in the miniature cane for warmth. On the fence you can observe our two bluebird houses that are home to the bluebirds that return every spring to raise their babies. Students participate in Project Noah and take photos of all wildlife in the garden and upload them to the website for identification.

This Japanese garden was designed by freshman Shane Beckham, and it contains a large focal piece of sandstone donated by brothers Harry and Calvin Ozier. It was discovered in Moscow, TN, and it represents mountains in this sand and stone garden, while the sand can be raked into a pattern that suggests water. Also in Mystic Sands you will find dwarf bamboo, Japanese maple, Yoshino Cherry and dwarf wisteria.

The Yoshino Cherry tree was donated by the Somerville Arts and Garden Club because it was Mary Margaret’s mother’s favorite tree. It is a distinct species from Japan. This Japanese flowering cherry is the darling of the flowering tree world and the star of such renowned events as the National and International Cherry Blossom Festivals, according to the Arbor Day Foundation.

It is also home to the beautiful pink roses with their amazing aroma that fills the air every spring and fall.  Pink was Mary Margaret’s favorite color, and her fellow cheerleaders, sponsored by Charlotte Karcher and Debbie German, provided these wonderful additions to the garden.The white sand ties this garden to the Wings of Wonder garden, since it is a source of needed mineral salts for butterflies. The burgundy bayberry bush is a thorn bush that provides protection for birds and insects. The ornamental grasses have seeded themselves and are beginning to provide the screens recommended in Japanese gardens that hide the pathway and draw you into the area.

Come through the arbor and witness the wildlife that abound.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SERENITY FALLS

Serenity Falls was designed by freshman Corey Holley, and is a native water ecosystem, complete with fish, algae, frogs, dragon flies, and tadpoles. Arkansas field stones line the pool’s edge, and the fish in the pond are native to this area and include bream and catfish. This garden features a waterfall and stream that flows into the pond, providing water circulation and ensuring oxygen for the fish.

Many people see the algae and say, “yuck,” but it is a very important part of our native water ecosystem. Algae produce oxygen for our fish to survive and fix nitrogen from the atmosphere so that it is available for other organisms. Algae also purify the water by absorbing heavy metals and nutrients, and they are the bottom of the food chain, so they provide food for other organisms in Serenity Falls. This garden provides water full of life for microscopic studies of algae, macro invertebrates, protozoa and much more. If you look closely and are still and quiet, you can observe the fish. They will come to the top of the water when they feel safe. If you are loud, noisy and move a lot, the fish and frogs will hide among the rocks because they think you are a predator, and they are afraid.

The Gazebo was donated by Mary Margaret’s parents and provides students protection from the sun and a place to gather.

You probably heard the frogs yelp and jump into the water as you approached. So sit quietly and you may see the frogs eyes peek from the water. Hush is the word, and maybe they will talk to you again!

Have your garden certified by the NWF. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FLAMES OF KNOWLEDGE

A challenge was placed before the students of Fayette Academy: design an outdoor area with no tables or chairs that would seat a full class. The result? Our fire pit, with the wall which will seat a full class, designed by 6th grader Jake Burnett. This amazing idea came to life by adding a French drain to control the water. It includes a fire pit for S’mores and roasting hot dogs. Our young minds are full of amazing engineering ideas and skills which are demonstrated by the walls that were built by freshman girl engineers.

You will notice in the Flames of Knowledge area the Prophet statue, watching over the classes. The prophet holds the Bible, and reminds us of the book of Genesis, chapter 2, verse 15: “And the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden to work it and keep it.”

Also found in the Flames of Knowledge area is a concrete platform where we may set up telescopes for student viewing of the Universe. It also serves as a place to grill and conduct the new Breakfast in the Garden established in 2015 by the Ecology Club.

 

WINGS OF WONDER

The Wings of Wonder garden was designed by 6th grader Kade Shughart, and is home to numerous beneficial insects. It contains two butterfly houses to provide safe resting places for butterflies. Students fill the butterfly houses with sticks and leaves, providing cozy places to rest. You may think this garden needs to be weeded, but leaving natural areas in this garden is very important and native grasses and other plants serve insects well. Remember the definition of a weed: any plant that is growing where you do not want it to grow. They are not weeds here.

It is also important to provide stumps and logs for food and other forms of shelter. Butterflies need access to mineral salts, which we provide by mixing mineral salts in with the white sands in the Mystic Sands garden area nearby. Running water in the beautiful fountain, with our garden angel who watches over these important insects, is a very important addition to this type of garden. Insects get thirsty, too. Our students are participating in the Monarch Watch Program.

It is very important to use native plants here that provide nectar and pollen for the insects. Notice the black-eyed Susan’s, coneflowers and butterfly bush to name a few. Thanks to these beneficial insects, the Action Garden and flowering plants, shrubs, and trees are pollinated, so we can all enjoy the fruits, vegetables and beautiful flowers throughout Mary Margaret’s Garden.

So the next time you see a bee, wasp, butterfly, moth or other pollinating insect, say “thanks,” because without them, we would not have the wonderful fruits and vegetables we all enjoy. 

A special thank you goes to all the insects!

 

ACTION GARDEN

These nine raised beds are available to every class at Fayette Academy for plant studies. Students conduct soil investigations, plan their plots, plant seeds, and measure the plants’ growth. The garden bulletin board was designed and built by Fayette Academy juniors Cody Cunningham and Alex Wilson. Be sure to read the outdoor bulletin board regularly for upcoming garden events and information.

How does the garden grow? Just like people, plants need water, food, and air to grow. Plants get what they need through their leaves, stem and roots. Water and nutrients are absorbed from the soil through a plant’s roots. Carbon dioxide (CO2), one of the gases in the air, is taken up through microscopic openings in the leaves called stomata. Using energy from the sun, plants transform the water, nutrients and carbon dioxide into food. This process is called photosynthesis.

Through photosynthesis, plants produce oxygen, an element that people need to live. When we breath, we exhale carbon dioxide, the gas plants need to survive. This is one way that plants and animals depend on each other for life.

The three most important nutrients that plants need to grow are nitrogen (N), which makes a plant green and helps it grow, phosphorus (P), which builds strong roots, and potassium (K), which helps in overall strength and disease resistance. All of these are found in compost – the perfect fertilizer for the garden. Our compost bin is found in the back left corner, and was donated by science teacher Ruth Ann Moore. Feel free to add your vegetable, fruit, peelings and bread scraps to the compost bin, then give it a turn. Unlike chemical fertilizers, compost is long-lasting. It builds the soil and is easily made in your own backyard. Just dig a hole or start a pile of compost and cover it with soil or straw to reduce insects and smell.

 

National and Regional Club Awards:

• 2016 Outstanding Project Recognition for School Energy Effiency Project of the Year

• 2016 National Energy Education Development National Senior School of the Year

• 2016 Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation TN School of the Year

• 2016 Herb Society of America Grant

• 2016 Scott's Miracle Grow Grant

• 2016 Baker Heirloom Seed Grant

• 2015 Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation TN School of the Year

• Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Energy Division Senior School of the Year

• National Energy Education Development Senior School of the Year (Won Twice)

• Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Energy Policy Office Senior School of the Year (Won 5 times)

• Volvo United Nations Environmental Program Certificate of Excellence

• SeaWorld Busch Garden's Environmental Excellence Award,    1 of 10 in the nation

• WalMart Earth Day Every Day Award 1 of 16 nationally

• Tennessee Environmental Education Club of the Year

• Tennessee Environmental Education Association Grant

• 2007 TN State Department of Environment and Conservation Partner Level Success Story

• 2007 Fayette County Education Foundation Grant

• 2006 National Gardening Association Youth Garden Grant

• 2006 Fayette County Farm Bureau Women Book Grant

• 2006 Fayette County Education Foundation Grant

• 2006 Governor’s Environmental Stewardship  Award Honorable Mention

• 2006 Mail-order Gardening Association’s Kids Growing with Dutch Bulb Grant

• 2004 Tennessee Farm Bureau Grant

• Tennessee Foundation for Ag in the Classroom Grant

• 2004 Chickasaw Shiloh Resource Conservation and Development Council Grant